1
                                                      ITEM 14(a)3, EXHIBIT 23.1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tesoro Petroleum Corporation

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33-
53293 of Tesoro Petroleum Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated January
23, 1997, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tesoro Petroleum
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1996.




DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

San Antonio, Texas
March 24, 1997